Tanzania & Zanzibar Travel Advice
Practical tips for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable journey
1. Safety & Security
- Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but stay alert in busy areas and avoid displaying valuables.
- Use hotel safes for passports, cash, and electronics.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Only use licensed taxis or transfers arranged by your lodge/operator.
2. Health & Medical
- Carry any prescription medications in original packaging, plus a copy of your prescription.
- Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth.
- Wear insect repellent, especially in the evenings, to avoid mosquito bites.
- Check your health entry requirements and vaccinations (including Yellow Fever if applicable).
3. Money & Payments
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
- US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas — bring crisp, undamaged notes (issued after 2009).
- ATMs are available in major towns, but rural areas are cash-only.
- Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and lodges, but often incur a 3–5% fee.
4. Local Etiquette
- Greetings matter — a handshake or friendly ‘Jambo’ goes a long way.
- In Zanzibar, dress modestly in towns and villages; cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
- Always ask before taking photos of people.
- During Ramadan, be discreet with eating, drinking, and smoking in public.
5. Transport & Getting Around
- Domestic flights connect most safari destinations and Zanzibar.
- On the mainland, travel times by road can be long — plan for early starts.
- Ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, but flights are quicker and more reliable.
6. Packing Essentials
- Light, breathable clothing for the day; warmer layers for cooler mornings/evenings on safari.
- A good hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Closed walking shoes for safaris; sandals for the beach.
- A small torch or headlamp for camps/lodges at night.
7. Tipping
- Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Safari guide: $10–$20 per person, per day.
- Lodge/camp staff: $5–$10 per person, per day (usually placed in a communal tip box).
Travel created for your family
Each activity offers a unique experience depending on the season, so coordinating your visit with Ngasini Travel The company can ensure a well-timed adventure.
